Great Lakes Quilt Center

The Great Lakes Quilt Center is a research and exhibition center at Michigan State University Museum featuring over 700 quilts from Michigan and neighboring regions. These pieces are displayed in rotating exhibitions throughout the year and represent multiple generations of local craftspeople.

The facility began documenting Michigan's quilting heritage in 1984 and created a major collection of regional quilts and craft information. This early documentation effort established the foundation for the center's research programs today.

The collection displays quilts from African countries, Native American traditions, and Michigan's African American quilting heritage. These pieces tell stories about the different cultures and craft techniques rooted in the region.

Visiting allows you to view quilts under different themes since exhibitions rotate regularly throughout the year. The center also provides online access to the Quilt Index database for those who want to research from home.

The center preserves the collections of Cuesta Benberry and Mary Schafer, two influential American quilt historians whose work shaped modern quilting documentation. These holdings offer insight into the methods and discoveries that advanced recognition of quilting as a significant art form.

GPS coordinates: 42.73156,-84.48161

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:20